Case in point is this fine writer from Hong Kong. Supposedly one of his publication's best. this would-be satirist decided to pen a loving critique of his home government's hypocrisy in getting all huffy about Philippine activities in the Spratlys while ignoring far more substantial violations of national integrity by more powerful neighbors.
All well and good. However, in order to make his point more stark, he had to indulge in some racist put-downs to contrast the dumb-ass Filipino with the mighty Russian and the wily Japanese.
As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.
So, its the old racist trope of the Filipino as the world's glorified domestic helper.
Personally, I do not find myself that offended, only mystified as to how the writer could squander such an easy hit piece by throwing a few shit pies too many. The satire could have worked without the racial put-down of Filipino house keepers. And, if perchance the irony-impaired majority of Filipinos actually do read his piece, he'd better be prepared to either wash his own windows, or endure copious amounts of spit in his food. After all, you never, ever piss off the people who prepare your food, clean your clothes and watch over you at night. Has this guy never seen Fight Club?
That said, these slurs are not worth getting worked up over. However, the Chinese had better not howl "racism" whenever Pau Gasol makes chinky eyes with his Spanish teammates. After all, if I can shrug off a few meaningless (if counter-productive) racial slurs, surely most people can do the same. The world needs a lot less sensitivity. Hey, maybe we can make an hour out of that!
China: A Nation of Inherent Visual Impairment (See, I can do stupid too!)
Ordinary Chinese were interviewed in China regarding that photo. People in the streets were shown the picture and asked how they felt. Almost everyone did not recognize the gesture as an insult. Seems that it's only in the west that it is known as such.
ReplyDeleteActually, some members of the Chinese media objected vociferously. The elite of any society tend to feel offense more keenly. One wonders why such emotionally knee-capped dingbats are even "elite" in the first place. I guess even taking offense is an industry.
ReplyDeleteChinese media, even in HK now, is heavily censored. One wonders if it was Mr. Tsao's attempt to just simply veer away from ancient censurate measures of China.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that his intentions are indeed in line with that sentiment. Although, one wonders about the inherent wisdom of insulting the people who have access to the most intimate aspects of your routine, like watching over you at night.
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